From rain@teleport.com Sun Jun 1 08:50:46 1997
Return-Path:
Received: from kudonet.com by kudo20.kudonet.com (SMI-8.6/SMI-SVR4)
id IAA13620; Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:46 -0700
Received: from vera.nni.com by kudonet.com (SMI-8.6/SMI-SVR4)
id IAA06289; Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:49 -0700
Received: from desiree.teleport.com ([192.108.254.21]) by vera.nni.com
(Netscape Mail Server v2.02) with ESMTP id AAA94
for ; Sun, 1 Jun 1997 11:51:58 -0400
Received: from kelly.teleport.com (kelly.teleport.com [192.108.254.10]) by desiree.teleport.com (8.8.5/8.7.3) with ESMTP id IAA16949 for ; Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:42 -0700 (PDT)
Received: (from rain@localhost)
by kelly.teleport.com (8.8.5/8.8.4)
id IAA11884; Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:41 -0700 (PDT)
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rain
To: lorax
Subject: True Witchcraft FAQ Re: Alt.Religion.Wicca Frequently [snip]
In-Reply-To: <199705311918.MAA01178@kudo20.kudonet.com>
Message-ID:
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
content-length: 28422
Status: RO
Thanks for the "cc" of your post on this. I'm very glad to see the issue
raised again, although I'm not sure who notices it or follows what is
(unfortunately it seems this year) the relative subtlety of the arguments
and views you bring up. I *love* your suggestion/idea to put together
competing REF files and encourage their compilation immediately. The
"True Witchcraft FAQ" is one such file which just recently emerged by
someone with (what I assume is) the wonderful pseudonym of "Crystal
Miller." I first saw it this last month when posted by Raven BlackBane,
who is taking up so much bandwidth on ARW of late. It's a straight graft
off of the 1995 "composite FAQ," but a good piece I felt. You indicated
in your post that you hand't seen it, but I thought you would enjoy it and
so append it, below.
- Rain@teleport.com
------- start of forwarded message -------
From: blackbane@bbs-1.anneli.com (Raven BlackBane)
Newsgroups: alt.religion.wicca
Subject: True WitchCraft F.A.Q.
Date: 8 May 1997 06:47:31 -0400
_________________________________________________________________
This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is designed as an
introduction to traditional Witchcraft, as well as a reference for
those investigating the way of Witchcraft for the first time.
This FAQ is about Witchcraft and NOT Wicca. Witchcraft and Wicca are
two seperate things. The views expressed here are reflective of
more traditional forms of Witchcraft. Wicca is a religion, while
Witchcraft is a way of life.
_________________________________________________________________
Questions:
INTRODUCTIONS
* 1.1) What is Witchcraft?
* 1.2) How is it related to Paganism?
* 1.3) Is Witchcraft the same thing as Wicca?
* 1.4) Do all Witches practice magick?
* 1.5) Is Witchcraft a form of Satanism?
* 1.6) Are male Witches called warlocks?
* 1.7) Can I be born a Witch?
BASIC ORIENTATION
* 2.1) What are some common, basic beliefs in Witchcraft?
* 2.2) What Gods do Witches worship?
* 2.3) Who are the Ancestors?
* 2.4) What is the Other World?
* 2.5) What is a tradition in relation to Witchcraft?
* 2.6) What is a path in relation to Witchcraft?
* 2.7) What is the Homeland?
* 2.8) What is the elemental correspondence to the cardinal
directions, and why is it used?
* 2.9) What ritual tools do Witches use?
* 2.10) Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?
* 2.11) What is the ethical standard for Witchcraft?
BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
* 3.1) How do I become a Witch?
* 3.2) Can I be a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist,
or other religous affiliation, and still be a Witch?
* 3.3) What is a"dedication" and "rites of passage" in Witchcraft?
* 3.4) What are the major traditions in Witchcraft?
* 3.5) What is a grimoire? How do I get one?
* 3.6) What is a household and how do I join one?
* 3.7) Do you call guardians into a sacred area?
* 3.8) Do Witches believe in reincarnation?
* 3.9) What is a hedgewitch?
_________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTIONS
1.1) What is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is the practice of the native ways of Europe after the
advent of Christianty. Witchcraft is the name that was given to these
practices by the Christian Church. Before that, the people who
followed a religion were just believers. There were special roles that
equated to what we would now call a priesthood. These positions often
involved law enforcement, settling of domestic disputes, counseling,
omen consultation, blessings, administration of medication, keeping
the calender, and such. There are names for those who took these
positions, but the name changes with the area.
People continued, even under persecution, to worship their Gods. These
ways often dominated in the more remote areas, and tended to
localize themselves to specific regional areas, or were kept within
the members of a family. In these families, the traditions of the
way were passed down from generation to generation. Many were
forced to masquerade under the cover of Catholism, even though they
were not truly Catholic.
Ireland, however, was never touched by the Inquisition, and for the
most part was free from witch-hunters in general. This allowed many
practicioners of Witchcraft to continue their worship fairly
unhindered.
Some people who follow these native ways of Europe do not refer
to themselves as Witches. The term "Witch" is something that was
placed upon these beliefs. However, using the term "Witchcraft" is an
easy way to collectively identify these religious beliefs and those
who follow them.
1.2) How is Witchcraft related to Paganism?
The term Paganism is used in contemporary times to refer to nature
oriented religions which recognize the male and female duality which
is found within nature. Paganism is an umbrella concept which
encompasses many religions from some sects of Buddhism, to
Neo-Druidism, to Wicca, and even to some forms of Christianity.
Witchcraft is one of the many religions which fits under the umbrella
of Paganism.
Some of the older Europeans which are considered to be "Pagan" do not
refer to themselves as such. The reason for this is because the term
pagan refers to an unenlightened one. Instead, they will often call
themselves Heathens.
1.3) Is Witchcraft the same thing as Wicca?
No. Wicca and Witchcraft are two seperate things. Wicca was founded
by Gerald Gardner in the late 1930's. It is comprised of Western
European folk traditions and Eastern philosophy in an effort to form
an OTO encampment. Although initially Wicca was based more in magickal
pursuits, it has hence forth developed into a more spiritual religion.
Today, Wicca can be seen as an ecclectic system of beliefs with an
underlying static ritual and ethics base. Although some traditions in
Wicca may cater to a specific culture, the rituals and ethics will
still have this commmonality ehich identifies it as being Wiccan.
Witchcraft is heavily based in traditions. There is no Wiccan Rede,
Watchtowers, or the concept of self-initiation. There is, however,
some form of initiation or rite of passage, and a strong concept of
the homeland. Witchcraft is usually practiced by famtrads or
traditionalists.
Many Wiccans incorrectly refer to themselves as Witches. However,
someone who practices Witchcraft will either refer to themselves as
being solely a Witch, will use another manner of description
altogether, will say that they follow the Old Ways or similar, or will
not comment. They will not say that they are Wiccan.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.4) Do all Witches practice magick?
No. Magick is a tool. As a tool, it can be used within any religion.
Some people who follow the way of Witchcraft do not practice
magick, just as some people who follow the religion of Buddhism do not
practice magick.
It would be inaccurate to say that magick has nothing to do with
Witchcraft. However, there are those who choose not to practice
magick. Foremost, Witchcraft is a way of life.
1.5) Is Witchcraft a form of Satanism?
No. Satanism is a product of Christianity. Witchcraft has nothing to
do with the philosophy or anti-Christian religion of Satanism.
During the medieval period, the Christian Church made many attempts to
phase out Witchcraft, and thus promoted the idea of the Devil as
having horns. Being as any deity which existed outside of the realms
of Christianity was seen as being of the Devil, it is an easy
assumption that the Horned God was the Devil himself. However, the
Horned God has nothing at all to do with the Devil.
1.6) Are male Witches called warlocks?
In an attempt to ostracize those who followed the old ways from
the realms of popular society, the Church categorized Witches as
warlocks. The word "warlock" translates as the Scottish Gaelic term
for a liar, oathbreaker, back-stabber, or someone generally not to be
trusted.
Many people use this as a term for a male Witch in contemporary
society, but any Witch referred to as such will be greatly insulted by
the term. Those who use the term "warlock" should not be trusted for
information because they are either ignorant of the term and are most
likely not knowledgeable about the Craft anyways, or they are most
likely teenagers involved with pseudo-satanism who think that name
sounds cool.
If someone betrayed a coven, the members might mark them as a warlock
by taking a blade and slashing them across the forehead so that
everyone who met the person would recognize them as such and would
know not to trust that person.
1.7) Can I be born a Witch?
No. To become a Witch, one must become a practicioner of the way.
Different traditions have different methodology for becoming a part of
their tradition. For most, this involves some form of self-dedication
to the Gods. Even for those born into a famtrad, a conscious decision
to follow the Old Ways must be made.
Basic Orientation
2.1) What are some common, basic beliefs in Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is comprised of many individual traditions that may differ
greatly from one another at times. However, there are some key
elements which most traditions follow. One, is the keeping of secrets
or mysteries. There are some things which have not been written in a
book and never will be. There is usually some form of initiation or
rite of passage, although it may or may not be referred to as such.
For some who are a part of famtrads, this is followed through certain
rites which occur when an individual reaches specific times within
their life cycle. For others, the rite of passage may be done after an
individual has completed a a time of study along with specified tasks.
2.2) What Gods do Witches worship?
The God and Goddess are seen as the male and female aspects of Nature.
They do not reign over the Universe, they instead are the Universe
itself. Most of the early inhabitants of Europe followed one God and
one Goddess, even though there might be many more deities in their
particular pantheon. Often times the particular pair of deities
someone followed would reflect some important aspect of their life
such as their occupation, location, or path in life. The God is
usually represented a protector or hunter, and the Goddess is often
related to fertility or the land.
The Gods are not ominpotent. They have egos and what we would consider
to be human characteristics.
2.3) Who are the Ancestors?
Witches also look to the Ancestors, or those who have gone before. The
Ancestors have different names in different cultures, but the concept
is the same. Witches often consult the Ancestors for advice and help.
Sometimes the Ancestors can also be called on as guardians as well as
advisors. We somtimes even offer them gifts and leave food out for
them. The Ancestors, however, are not Gods but rather respected or
honored ones.
2.4) What is the Other World?
The Other World is a term used to refer to the realm where the
Ancestors dwell. Most traditions within Witchcraft recogize the Other
World, although the name used to identify it might be different. The
realm of the Other World is often seen as being the place that lies
beyond our senses, and just beyond the boundary of our dreams. In some
cultures, it is seen as being the realm of the dead. There are places
which are commonly recognized as being sacred loci where the two
worlds might converge upon one another; these are trees, hills, lakes,
rivers, caverns, wells, and even areas covered in thick mists.
2.5) What is a tradition in relation to Witchcraft?
A tradition is the system or variety of Witchcraft that someone
follows. Sometimes a tradition will have a specific name, which
usually is in the language of the relevant culture. More commonly,
however, the name of the tradition is simply that of the culture from
which that system of beliefs stems from.
A Famtrad is a family tradition. This term is used to refer to those
whose tradition is followed within their family. Those who are famtrad
often have grown up within Witchcraft as part of their everyday lives.
2.6) What is a path in relation to Witchcraft?
A path is used to refer to the specific life goals that someone has
within their tradition. A path can usually be defined by taking into
account a person's interests, career choice, motivations, and goals in
life. The Gods which a person chooses to follow are partially
determined by their path in life.
2.7) What is the Homeland?
It was believed by the early inhabitants of Europe that the Gods they
worshipped inhabited the land itself. Many were migratory people, and
so as they travelled across the continent they took their Gods with
them. As they travelled, though, these people often looked toward the
North Star, Polaris, for guidance. It was a fixed point in the night
sky that they used as a reference point.
When these early Europeans wished to honor their Gods, they created a
connection between their homeland, where their Gods resided, and the
land where they stood. In this way, the new land became a part of the
homeland. The elemental correspondences to the cardinal directions act
as a way of aligning yourself with the homeland.
2.8) What is the elemental correspondence to the cardinal directions,
and why is it used?
These correspondences help to align the Witch to the homeland. Most
early Europeans were migratory peoples and used the star Polaris as a
reference point in the night skies. The exact set of correspondences
differed from area to area, as each region differed in its geography,
climate, and cultural beliefs.
Not all Witches use a elemental correspondence to the cardinal
directions. Some worship their Gods at specific locations, and others
have a different set of elements and relationships to those elements.
An example would be those people of certain Celtic traditions who
instead use Earth, Sky, and Water, and preferably worship on a
cliffside near the ocean where the three worlds of these elements meet
together as one.
2.9) What ritual tools do Witches use?
There are a wide variety of tools which Witches use. Each tradition,
though, uses a different set of tools. Perhaps the ritual tool used
the most is the ritual blade. Some traditions use common items used in
everyday life, where as other traditions demand that the tools be
hand-crafted by the person for the specific use in ritual.
Some of the other more popular tools used are the stang or staff, the
cup or horn, the cauldron, the wand, the cord, the besom, the llech,
and the sword or spear.
The stang has two forms: the horned staff, and the scarecrow. The
stang in it's form as a staff looks just like a staff that may or may
not be topped with animal horns. The stang in it's form as a scare
crow is a wooden cross with the skull at the top of some horned animal
(ie cow, deer), wearing a white linen shirt.
The cord in most traditions denotes those who have reached, for lack
of a better term, the priesthood within Witchcraft. It is used for a
wide variety of things such as handfastings. Sometimes there are even
dances which are done with the cords linked together.
The llech or stone has several different forms and uses. Often it is
used as a foundation, and is used to stand on, or is used as an altar
stone. It can also take the form of a hagstone or godstone.
2.10) Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?
Different traditions observe different Festivals. Some of the most
common occur on the solistices and the equinoxes, and the times
between them. Other observances take place on the new and full moons.
Sometimes the major Festivals in some traditions are set to correspond
to the new or full moon, and in other traditions they occur on
specific days which are usually measured as being halfway between the
equinox and the solstice.
The number of observances in a year varies according to the tradition.
Regardless, the Festivals are set according to the seasons and act
somewhat as markers. The year usually begins in early to mid November,
although in some traditions the new year will start in mid to late
March.
Rituals were determined by the position of the sun and moon influenced
the times when one should plant or harvest their crops, breed animals,
or kill livestock. These times defined when the Gods should be
worshipped. Because Witchcraft differs between traditions, the exact
Festival days also differs. These Festival days are usually celebrated
on the evening preceding the actually day, as the night was seen to
belong to the next day. The length of a day was measured from sunset
to sunset.
2.11) What is the ethical standard for Witchcraft?
Witchcraft teaches responsibility for one's actions. There is no good
or evil. There is only the intent that one has when commiting an
action. For example, a tornado, which causes a lot of destruction, is
not good or evil..... It just is.
Emphasis is thus placed on the intent of the action. This is such that
the whole of the action is the sum of its consequences. Energy is not
constant. In terms of returned energy, this means that the energy can
have many things happen to it along the way including: deflection,
absorbtion, transformation, etc.
We do not follow a Rede, or any Law except that which is written
within our own hearts. We take responsibility for our actions.
Things are brought into the perspective of survival and intent of the
individual. Many Witches look at this in terms of protection of clan,
family, and self. So, many will take action to curse or hex if
wrongfully provoked.
Beliefs and Practices
3.1) How do I become a Witch?
Probably the easiest place to start would be by going to the nearest
library. You should probably begin by reading the legnds and folklore
concerning the culture you are interested in. This will only provide
an understanding of the beliefs within Witchcraft, though. The real
question is something you must ask yourself, "What are my beliefs?"
Your personal beliefs must correspond to those within the Craft. If
they do not, then the best you can ever do in Witchcraft is to emultae
the way without ever really understanding and practicing it. It
must be something that is already within your heart.
Most people who come to learn the traditions of Witchcraft already
have some basis in the way. Witchcraft is more than holding
rituals and worshipping the Gods, it is a way of life. It is an
understanding of seasons and an appreciation of life. It is learning
to take responsibilty for yourself and what you do.
After you have a basis in the beliefs, the next step would be to
dedicate yourself to the Gods. From that point, you have decided to
follow the way of Witchcraft, and are a believer in the ways. You
may or may not decide to seek out someone to instruct you in the
traditions, and pass the lineage on to you. It, however, is advisable
that you do. From there, you can make a choice to continue your
learnings and become what can be called for lack of a better term, a
part of the priesthood.
3.2) Can I be a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist, or
other religous affiliation, and still be a Witch?
No. Witchcraft is a way of life all unto its own. The traditions within
the Craft have their own belief structures.
3.3) What is a"dedication" and "rites of passage" in Witchcraft?
Dedication is when a person decides to worship the Gods, and learn the
ways of Witchcraft. A dedication ritual is something that is composed
by the person themselves wherein they pledge themselves to the service
of the Gods. Just because someone has gone through a dedication but
not through a rite of passage does not mean that they are not devoted.
Devotion to the Gods is personal, and that is why it is expressed
through a self-dedication.
Rite of Passage, or Initiation is a formal ritual wherein a person
must has spent a period of study and has reached a certain point
wherein they are given a set of tasks to complete. Some traditions
have different degrees, wherein other have certain points in the life
cycle wherein this ritual takes place. One of the most important parts
of the Rite of Passage or Initiation is when the lineage is passed
down. The lineage is the line of essence which has passed from Witch
to Witch for all the preceding generations. There are also sometimes
Naming Ceremonies. These are sometimes included within the Rite of
Passage or Initiation, although in some traditions they remain
seperate.
3.4) What are the major traditions in Witchcraft?
That is very difficult to say. Each family, village, and area had
their own tradition. As time progressed, and the persecution began to
become more severe, the various traditions began to condense and
intermingle with other traditions. Many traditions merged with other
traditions, and although the way was preserved, it began to take
many different shapes.
3.5) What is a grimoire? How do I get one?
A grimoire is a book of rituals and and lore which is usually
handwritten by the individual. The name grimoire is used as a general
term, as the actual name for this book is kept a secret in most
traditions. Even when the name for this book is discussed, it
sometimes varies from between traditions.
In most traditions, the grimoire is composed by the individual, and
the rituals contained therein are sometimes even written in runes or
pictures so as not to be understood by someone else. The rituals
themselves are based in the traditions of the particular tradition,
but also contain individual flourishes as well. On occasion, the
contents of the grimoires may be copied from a main book.
3.6) What is a household and how do I join one?
The difference between coven and household are enough to warrant a
distinguishment. For the Wiccan they might be considered to be the
same. But for the famtrad or traditionalist, there is a huge
difference.
Not everyone in a household is necessarily of heathen/pagan religious
beliefs, just as everyone within a family is not necessarily of the
same religious beliefs. Often, the people who belong to a household
are solitary practicioners, that only come together for specific
rituals instead of always practicing together as a coven would do.
A good definition of a household would be to compare it to the
medieval households. It is more like a collective wherein many
families or individuals might be united together.
3.7) Do you call guardians into a sacred area?
Some traditions do, and some traditions don't. Guardians are often
called to protect the sacred area. As many traditions do not have
specific boundaries for their sacred area, the guardians can roam the
area freely and protect the area from unwanted influences. In general,
they are a good idea.
Guardians are often the spirits with whom a person feels comfortable
with and has developed some form of a relationship with. Possible
guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or other
spirtual entity.
3.8) Do Witches believe in reincarnation?
No, or at least not in the typical sense. There are many beliefs
regarding death, but usually there is some concept of the Other World
where the soul goes to dwell for a time before it returns. Instead of
being reincarnated, the person is transformed. Sometimes the
transformation is into an animal form, and other times it is into a
human, or even spirit form.
3.9) What is a hedgewitch?
A hedgewitch is a tradition within a tradition that is somewhat
shamanic in nature, for lack of a better term. There are many
different titles that those who follow this inner tradition are
called: Hedge-Rider, Hedgewitch, Night Travellers, Myrk-Riders,
Gandreidh, Badbh (name of a Goddess as well as a title), and Walkers
on the Wind. These are the ones who engage in spirit flight, and
journey into the Other World. It is this inner tradition which
utilizes such things as flying salves and potions in order to gain
access to the Other World. There are certain prerequisites which must
be met before one can learn this particular tradition, however.
A hedgewitch is able to go into the Other World, and call back the
souls of those who are about to die. They can, in this capacity, be
very powerful healers. They are also able to speak with those who have
passed beyond. One of the rituals by which a hedgewitch can cross over
into the Otherworld is called the "Ritual of the Raven."
A bird of one kind or another is usually associated with the hedge
traditions. Two of the most commonly associated birds are the raven
and the goose.
A mention should be made that the hedge signified the boundary of the
village, and thus the boundary of the known world. Not all cultures
had hedges, though. Some had stone wall, or earthen works. Regardless,
this term is adopted as a way to commonly identify these traditions.
It should be emphasized that not all Witches follow this inner
tradition.
Resources
Sir James G. Frazier, The Golden Bough, (New York: Macmillan, 1950).
Nigel Aldcroft Jackson, Call of the Horned Piper, (Berks, UK: Capall
Bann Publishing, 1994). ISBN 1-898307-09-1.
Nigel Aldcroft Jackson, Masks of Misrule, (Berks, UK: Capall Bann
Publishing, 1996). ISBN 1-898307-67-9.
*NOTE* This book is multi-cultural and covers the Horned God from
European to Middle Eastern to Hindi.
Noragh Jones, Power of Raven, Wisdom of Serpent, (Edinburgh, UK:
Floris Books, 1994.) ISBN 0-86315-186-8.
*NOTE* Some parts of this book are heavily interwoven with pieces of
medieval Christianity, but I still feel it represents a great deal of
Scottish women's lore.
Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick, A History of Pagan Europe, (London
and New York: Routledge, 1995.) ISBN 0-415-09136-5. Order it here!
Copyright and Distribution Notice
This document is copyrighted by (c) 1997 Crystal Miller. The
Witchcraft FAQ may be freely distributed so long as it is in it's
entirety, including all credits and copyright notice.
------- end of forwarded message -------
rain@teleport.com
**************************************************************************
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////